Collaborative conversations with Life's wise whispers. James Wells is honoured to offer tarot consultations and circle process hosting/training (enhanced, at times, with other tools & modalities). To book personal appointments and group experiences, contact James at circleways.james@gmail.com

Astro-Journalling Retreat, Day Two

Went for a longer walk this morning. Glorious to see the flowers, butterflies, crabapples, and the almost-ready grapes and pears on their respective vines and trees. Last night’s rain rendered everything clean and fresh.

glistening cobwebs

crabapples over the stream

riotous garden

Today’s Walking in This World activity was to make a collage about something on my mind, then to write about it. So out came the magazines, scissors, and tape, followed by the pen. The resulting image and written piece tell a tale of my need for recognition, yet being most recognised when my ego gets out of the way and allows Life to flow through me and through those who are with me.

The morning astro-journalling activity was about engaging my will in the process of making my dream a reality — discovering through Mars, Aries, and First House material in my natal chart what I want, what will energise me, where I’m gifted at finding a clear yes, and where I’m gifted at finding a clear no. Hints of asserting myself and taking action while respecting feedback and alternatives, getting what I want through communication, writing, teaching, and catalysing structures that encourage community and communication, amongst other similar things.

The afternoon session unearthed (unstarred?) support for my dream in stabilising around a specific role and looking after its details in a focused manner. This role is creative, rhythmic, story-filled, and peer-centred. It’s work in offering practical inspiration that is to be widely seen, reminding many people that love is the greatest power of all. The core that shines forth from me as I do so is my capacity to listen deeply in order to speak wisely, linking people’s personal stories and well-being to those of the community. The personal power that allows me to do so is rooted in service to the deep ecosystem of the unseen, unconscious world.

bumblebee dances

on a yellow marigold –

stormcloud approaches

Today’s tarot card for me is Strength, upright: displaying conviction and determination to pursue goals and take certain actions; demonstrating my coping skills — how well I can look after myself and stay alive; and experiencing kinship with Nature — all the beings around here who buzz, bloom, bark, and boom. This card’s Leo aspect mirrors that need for recognition or attention I mentioned earlier.